Federal authorities have delivered administrative subpoenas to far-left political commentator Hasan Piker and co-founder of CodePink, Medea Benjamin. This is part of an inquiry led by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The subpoenas, termed as “Requests for Information” (RFIs), call for details concerning financial dealings and communications linked to their involvement in a trip to Cuba in March 2026.
The investigation assesses whether the trip’s participants breached U.S. sanctions against Cuba, according to a report from Fox News. Such sanctions, primarily under the Cuban Asset Control Regulations, typically prohibit unlicensed travel transactions and the exportation of goods or services to the island.
Some exceptions exist for humanitarian efforts and educational activities, provided they adhere to specific licensing standards. Violations can result from financing or logistical coordination that benefits restricted entities or unauthorized contacts with the Cuban government.
The trip was part of the “Nuestra América Convoy” (Our America Convoy) initiative, which gathered in Havana around March 21, 2026. Organizers characterized it as a humanitarian mission with hundreds of participants from various nations, although it faced substantial backlash within the United States.
The group received a guided tour from the Cuban government and notably resided in a luxury hotel, all while the island was grappling with extensive power outages.
Hasan Piker says the Cuban people like not having electricity (while staying in Cuba’s exclusive hotel with power) pic.twitter.com/0UxFc1qUZI
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 22, 2026
Piker and Benjamin actively shared their experiences, with Piker being an outspoken advocate of political violence. Their open support for the Cuban regime has drawn attention and criticism alike.
The subpoenas are part of an expansive federal inquiry involving approximately 40 American citizens and various organizations linked to the convoy. This investigation is a collaborative effort among the Treasury, State, and Justice Departments, focusing on potential sanctions violations and related influence operations.
At this point, no charges have been brought against Piker, Benjamin, or the others involved. The subpoenas serve merely as a method of gathering information rather than indicating any wrongdoing. Reports indicate that officials are also examining a wider network of nonprofits and activists with connections to foreign funding related to Cuba and other countries.
Recent weeks have seen an uptick in U.S. measures against the Cuban government. President Donald Trump recently enacted significant sanctions, particularly concerning fuel imports, and has mobilized a carrier group amidst growing speculation of military action.
